Keto Lasagna

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (Prep: 35 minutes | Cook: 1 hour 10 minutes)
Skill Level: Intermediate
Dietary Tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, High-Protein
Servings: 8 generous portions

Craving the cozy, layered perfection of lasagna but sticking to a low-carb lifestyle? This Ultimate Keto Lasagna is your answer. We replace traditional pasta with tender, roasted zucchini “noodles” and craft a rich, meaty marinara that’s free of hidden sugars. The star of the show is a luxuriously creamy, three-cheese filling that binds every layer together in gooey harmony. It’s a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that proves you don’t have to miss out on classic comfort food.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a keto lasagna that doesn’t become a watery mess is in the preparation of the zucchini. Roasting the slices draws out excess moisture, ensuring firm, flavorful layers that hold their structure. The hearty meat sauce is simmered to deepen the flavors without relying on sugar, and the innovative cheese “glue” mixture melts perfectly, creating the ideal lasagna texture. This recipe is intentionally designed to make ample servings, perfect for a family dinner or for stocking your freezer with ready-to-go keto meals.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 485 kcal

• Total Carbohydrates: 9g

• Net Carbs: 6g

• Fiber: 3g

• Protein: 32g

• Fat: 36g

• Saturated Fat: 17g

• Cholesterol: 137mg

• Sodium: 780mg

• Sugar: 5g

Nutritional values are estimates calculated using a database and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

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Ingredients

For the Zucchini Noodles:

• 3-4 medium zucchini (about 2 lbs total), ends trimmed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)

• 1 (24 oz) jar high-quality, sugar-free marinara sauce

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Cheese Filling:

• 15 oz (425g) whole milk ricotta cheese

• 1 large egg

• 4 cups (16 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• 1 cup (4 oz) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Equipment

• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer

• Large baking sheets

• Paper towels or clean kitchen towels

• Large skillet or Dutch oven

• Mixing bowls

• 9×13 inch baking dish

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Zucchini Noodles

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Slice the zucchini lengthwise into ¼-inch thick strips. A mandoline slicer ensures even thickness for even cooking.

3. Lay the zucchini strips in a single layer on the prepared sheets. Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.

4. Roast for 15-20 minutes, just until pliable and starting to release moisture. This step is crucial for removing water! Remove from the oven and set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

1. While the zucchini roasts, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

3. Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains.

4. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg. Mix until smooth.

2. Add 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella, ½ cup of the grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is fully incorporated. This is your creamy binding layer.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. In your 9×13 inch baking dish, spread about ¾ cup of the meat sauce in a thin layer to coat the bottom.

2. Layer 1: Arrange a single layer of roasted zucchini noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping.

3. Layer 2: Spread half of the cheese filling evenly over the zucchini.

4. Layer 3: Spoon one-third of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese.

5. Repeat: Add another layer of zucchini noodles, the remaining cheese filling, and another third of the meat sauce.

6. Final Layers: Top with a final layer of zucchini noodles. Spread the last of the meat sauce over the top. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over everything.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.

2. Carefully remove the foil. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.

3. CRUCIAL STEP: Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for at least 20 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making it much easier to slice and serve cleanly.

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Tips for Success & Variations

• Avoid Sogginess: Do not skip roasting the zucchini. For an even firmer “noodle,” you can salt the strips and let them drain in a colander for 30 minutes before patting completely dry and roasting.

• Cheese Choices: Full-fat cheeses are essential for flavor and texture. For a sharper bite, substitute half the mozzarella with provolone.

• Make it Spicy: Add ½ lb of Italian sausage to the ground beef and increase the red pepper flakes for a kick.

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat sauce with a hearty sauté of mushrooms, spinach, and diced eggplant.

• Meal Prep Friendly: This lasagna freezes beautifully. Cool completely, portion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen, covered, until heated through.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this rich lasagna with a crisp, simple side salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness. It’s a complete, satisfying meal that will delight everyone at the table, keto or not. Enjoy the ultimate comfort food without the carb coma!